You’re invited to attend the first Alaska Statewide Snow Safety Conference, Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday Nov. 5 at Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage.
In a state covered by snow more than half of each year, and where more people are injured and die in avalanches and snowmachine accidents than any other state, it’s about time.
The North America Outdoor Institute is proud to help coordinate and launch this statewide conference with support from APU and the Alaska Avalanche Information Center as well as dozens of volunteers, sponsors and other partners.
More than fifty snow safety professionals from all around Alaska will be gathering to talk snow; How to forecast it, understand it and recreate in it safely will be the primary focus. An added bonus, the ISSW (International Snow Science Workshop, known as the Olympics of snow forecasting and education) will be coming to Anchorage for the first time in 2012. This ASSC will help to set the stage for the larger International effort next year.
This year’s conference will bring together Alaska’s elite snow safety professionals to help advance the efforts of forecasting and educating others about the potential dangers.
If you drive to Seward, Valdez or Fairbanks, you will pass through avalanche zones. If you recreate in Mountain Passes like Turnagain, Johnson, Hatchers, Thompson… you are playing with the lions of avalanches.
Understanding how to recognize danger signs, safe zones and rescue techniques can make the difference between an incredible backcountry adventure and the ultimate tragedy.
We have requested the honor of the Governor’s attendance on Friday morning at 9am to kick off the conference and present his proclamation for Avalanche Awareness Education Month, as well as Saturday from 1-6p.
We hope you will join us for the kick-off of the conference Friday morning at 9am or the kick-off of the public training session beginning at 1pm on Saturday.
Please contact Debra McGhan at 907-376-2898 to learn more. You can find more information about the conference at: alaskasnowsafetyconference.webs.com